The Smashing Book is very complete. However I wouldnt expect to become a designer by reading a book or taking an online course, as I wouldnt expect someone to become a programmer that way.
so you're saying that you don't learn how to do things by reading books or taking courses or doing exercise?
fuck, that sucks man.
Am I? If you dont have a path you will be going to nowhere. You might learn things but the hard way. If you want to become serious you should try with a teacher or a career.